Life Cycle Assessment - Revision history

Tommasofatt: /* Evaluation */

2023-05-05T19:07:03Z

Evaluation

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 5 May 2023
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	Evaluation consists of determining and specifying confidence in, and the reliability of, the results of the LCA or the LCI study, including the significant issues identified in the first element of the interpretation. At this step, it is crucial that each issue receives equal consideration based on its impact on the final conclusions. Furthermore, evaluation results must be presented so as to provide commissioners or any other interested parties a clear and understandable view of what was discovered during their study.		Evaluation consists of determining and specifying confidence in, and the reliability of, the results of the LCA or the LCI study, including the significant issues identified in the first element of the interpretation. At this step, it is crucial that each issue receives equal consideration based on its impact on the final conclusions. Furthermore, evaluation results must be presented so as to provide commissioners or any other interested parties a clear and understandable view of what was discovered during their study.
	The evaluation involves completeness check, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, consistency check.		The evaluation involves completeness check, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis and consistency check.

	'''''-Completeness check:''''' for LCI and LCIA, determine the degree to which the available data is complete for the processes and impacts, which were identified as significant issues. If the missing data are important to satisfy the goal and scope of the LCA, the inventory and impact assessment must be revisited in order to fill the gaps. If this is not possible or very demanding, the goal and scope definition may have to be adjusted to accommodate the lack of completeness. If neither of the options is possible, this should be considered when formulating the limitations of the study. In case the missing information is found to be of little relevance, this has to be stated in the completeness check.		'''''-Completeness check:''''' for LCI and LCIA, determine the degree to which the available data is complete for the processes and impacts, which were identified as significant issues. If the missing data are important to satisfy the goal and scope of the LCA, the inventory and impact assessment must be revisited in order to fill the gaps. If this is not possible or very demanding, the goal and scope definition may have to be adjusted to accommodate the lack of completeness. If neither of the options is possible, this should be considered when formulating the limitations of the study. In case the missing information is found to be of little relevance, this has to be stated in the completeness check.

Tommasofatt: /* Interpretation */

2023-05-05T19:06:39Z

Interpretation

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 5 May 2023
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	==Interpretation==		==Interpretation==
	'''Life cycle interpretation (LCI/ICA)''' is a systematic technique designed to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate information gathered through LCI or LCIA results. The intepretation phase includes 3 mandatory steps: the identification of issues that can potentially influence the final results of the study, the evaluation of the importance of these issues and finally the conclusions, recommendations and limitations of the study. While the results typically appear at the end of an LCA report, such techniques should also be implemented throughout each stage of study to identify issues or uncertainties and generate insights that lead to conclusions and recommendations for improvement of future research efforts. ~~The interpretation includes~~ <ref name="interpretation buildings">''Patxi Hernandez, Xabat Oregi, Sonia Longo, Maurizio Cellura, Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings, A Life Cycle Approach (2018), chapter 4; https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128128176/handbook-of-energy-efficiency-in-building''</ref>		'''Life cycle interpretation (LCI/ICA)''' is a systematic technique designed to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate information gathered through LCI or LCIA results. The intepretation phase includes 3 mandatory steps: the identification of issues that can potentially influence the final results of the study, the evaluation of the importance of these issues and finally the conclusions, recommendations and limitations of the study. While the results typically appear at the end of an LCA report, such techniques should also be implemented throughout each stage of study to identify issues or uncertainties and generate insights that lead to conclusions and recommendations for improvement of future research efforts. <ref name="interpretation buildings">''Patxi Hernandez, Xabat Oregi, Sonia Longo, Maurizio Cellura, Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings, A Life Cycle Approach (2018), chapter 4; https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128128176/handbook-of-energy-efficiency-in-building''</ref>

	===Identification===		===Identification===

Tommasofatt: /* Interpretation */

2023-05-05T19:06:23Z

Interpretation

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 5 May 2023
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	==Interpretation==		==Interpretation==
	Life cycle interpretation (LCI/ICA) is a systematic technique designed to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate information gathered through LCI or LCIA results. While ~~its~~ results typically appear at the end of an LCA report, such techniques should also be implemented throughout each stage of study to identify issues or uncertainties and generate insights that lead to conclusions and recommendations for improvement of future research efforts. <ref name="interpretation buildings">''Patxi Hernandez, Xabat Oregi, Sonia Longo, Maurizio Cellura, Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings, A Life Cycle Approach (2018), chapter 4; https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128128176/handbook-of-energy-efficiency-in-building''</ref>		'''Life cycle interpretation (LCI/ICA)''' is a systematic technique designed to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate information gathered through LCI or LCIA results. The intepretation phase includes 3 mandatory steps: the identification of issues that can potentially influence the final results of the study, the evaluation of the importance of these issues and finally the conclusions, recommendations and limitations of the study. While the results typically appear at the end of an LCA report, such techniques should also be implemented throughout each stage of study to identify issues or uncertainties and generate insights that lead to conclusions and recommendations for improvement of future research efforts. The interpretation includes <ref name="interpretation buildings">''Patxi Hernandez, Xabat Oregi, Sonia Longo, Maurizio Cellura, Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings, A Life Cycle Approach (2018), chapter 4; https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128128176/handbook-of-energy-efficiency-in-building''</ref>

	===Identification===		===Identification===

Tommasofatt: /* Impact assessment */

2023-05-05T19:01:26Z

Impact assessment

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 5 May 2023
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	===Classification===		===Classification===

	Classification requires assigning all the emissions to the relative impact category. For example, all the emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2, Methane, etc.) are associated to the Climate Change impact category.		Classification requires assigning all the emissions to the relative '''impact category'''. For example, all the emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2, Methane, etc.) are associated to the Climate Change impact category.

	===Characterization===		===Characterization===

	Characterisation involves calculating the magnitude of each input and output towards its respective impact category, and then adding up these contributions within each category. This is done by using substance- or resource-specific characterisation factors that quantify the impact intensity of a substance compared to a reference substance, which allows the calculation of the relative impact category indicator(s). By doing this, all the emissions relative to an impact category are aggregated into one unit of measure. For example, all greenhouse gas emissions are multiplied by a characterization factor that represents in terms of impact intensity relative to carbon dioxide, and therefore represented as an aggregated value of kg CO2 equivalent.		Characterisation involves calculating the magnitude of each input and output towards its respective impact category, and then adding up these contributions within each category. This is done by using substance- or resource-specific characterisation factors that quantify the impact intensity of a substance compared to a reference substance, which allows the calculation of the relative impact category indicator(s). By doing this, all the emissions relative to an impact category are aggregated into one unit of measure. For example, all greenhouse gas emissions are multiplied by a characterization factor that represents in terms of impact intensity relative to carbon dioxide, and therefore represented as an aggregated value of kg CO2 equivalent.
	The obtained results are called midpoints, which can be further aggregated into 3 areas of protection, obtaining endpoint results. “Midpoint indicators focus on single environmental problems, for example climate change or acidification. Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on three higher aggregation levels, being the '''1) effect on human health''', '''2) biodiversity''' ( or ecosystem health) and '''3) resource scarcity'''. Converting midpoints to endpoints simplifies the interpretation of the LCIA results. However, with each aggregation step, uncertainty in the results increases.” <ref name=" Recipe method">''National Institute for Public Health and the Environment		The obtained results are called midpoints, which can be further aggregated into 3 '''areas of protection (AoP)''', obtaining endpoint results. “Midpoint indicators focus on single environmental problems, for example climate change or acidification. Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on three higher aggregation levels, being the '''1) effect on human health''', '''2) biodiversity''' ( or ecosystem health) and '''3) resource scarcity'''. Converting midpoints to endpoints simplifies the interpretation of the LCIA results. However, with each aggregation step, uncertainty in the results increases.” <ref name=" Recipe method">''National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
	Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport; LCIA: the Recipe model; https://www.rivm.nl/en/life-cycle-assessment-lca/recipe" </ref>		Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport; LCIA: the Recipe model; https://www.rivm.nl/en/life-cycle-assessment-lca/recipe" </ref>

Tommasofatt: /* Impact assessment */

2023-05-05T19:00:23Z

Impact assessment

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 5 May 2023
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	==Impact assessment==		==Impact assessment==

	During the LCIA phase, the results obtained from the LCI ~~phase~~ are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, such as SimaPRo or GaBi, which also provide the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart. The LCIA phase comprises some steps that are automatically carried out by the LCA softwares, while others are optional and can be applied according to the preferences of the authors of the study.		During the LCIA phase, the results obtained from the LCI are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, such as SimaPRo or GaBi, which also provide the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart. The LCIA phase comprises some steps that are automatically carried out by the LCA softwares, while others are optional and can be applied according to the preferences of the authors of the study.

	===Classification===		===Classification===

Tommasofatt: /* Goal and Scope definition */

2023-05-05T18:59:56Z

Goal and Scope definition

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 5 May 2023
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	==Goal and Scope definition==		==Goal and Scope definition==

	During the goal and scope phase of a study, the objectives are established, including the intended audience, the reasons for conducting the study, and the intended application. This phase involves making key methodological decisions, such as defining the functional unit precisely, identifying the system boundaries, determining allocation procedures, selecting the impact categories to be studied, choosing the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) method to be utilized, and establishing data quality requirements.		During the goal and scope phase of a study, the objectives are established, including the intended audience, the reasons for conducting the study, and the intended application. This phase involves making key methodological decisions, such as defining the functional unit precisely, identifying the system boundaries, determining allocation procedures, selecting the impact categories to be studied, choosing the '''Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)''' method to be utilized, and establishing data quality requirements.

	===Functional unit===		===Functional unit===
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	===Impact categories===		===Impact categories===
	The impact categories taken into consideration depend on the choice of the authors, that can have more interest in assessing e.g., the impact on climate change rather than on human toxicity. However, the choice of the LCIA method have an influence on that since some impact categories are not included in all methods. The most common impact categories are the following : Climate Change, Eutrophication, Resource Depletion, Land Use, Acidification, Ozone Depletion, Ecotoxicity, Ionizing Radiation, Water Depletion, Human Toxicity, Photochemical Ozone Formation.		The impact categories taken into consideration depend on the choice of the authors, that can have more interest in assessing e.g., the impact on climate change rather than on human toxicity. However, the choice of the LCIA method have an influence on that since some impact categories are not included in all methods. The most common impact categories are the following : Climate Change, Eutrophication, Resource Depletion, Land Use, Acidification, Ozone Depletion, Ecotoxicity, Ionizing Radiation, Water Depletion, Human Toxicity, Photochemical Ozone Formation.




	==Inventory analysis==		==Inventory analysis==

Tommasofatt: /* Inventory analysis */

2023-05-05T18:59:27Z

Inventory analysis

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 5 May 2023
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	==Inventory analysis==		==Inventory analysis==

	The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) phase encompasses the process of gathering and calculating data to measure the inputs and outputs of the system being studied. This includes collecting data on energy, raw materials, products, co-products, waste, emissions to air/water/soil, and other environmental factors. The collected data includes both foreground processes, which are the ones on the direct control of the producer (such as manufacturing and packaging of a product for a consumer good) and background processes (such as the production of purchased electricity and materials for a consumer good). The data is then verified for accuracy and related to the process units and functional unit, and they are the basis for the calculation of the environmental impacts of the product system.		The '''Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)''' phase encompasses the process of gathering and calculating data to measure the inputs and outputs of the system being studied. This includes collecting data on energy, raw materials, products, co-products, waste, emissions to air/water/soil, and other environmental factors. The collected data includes both foreground processes, which are the ones on the direct control of the producer (such as manufacturing and packaging of a product for a consumer good) and background processes (such as the production of purchased electricity and materials for a consumer good). The data is then verified for accuracy and related to the process units and functional unit, and they are the basis for the calculation of the environmental impacts of the product system.

	==Impact assessment==		==Impact assessment==

Tommasofatt: /* Characterization */

2023-05-05T18:59:12Z

Characterization

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 5 May 2023
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	Characterisation involves calculating the magnitude of each input and output towards its respective impact category, and then adding up these contributions within each category. This is done by using substance- or resource-specific characterisation factors that quantify the impact intensity of a substance compared to a reference substance, which allows the calculation of the relative impact category indicator(s). By doing this, all the emissions relative to an impact category are aggregated into one unit of measure. For example, all greenhouse gas emissions are multiplied by a characterization factor that represents in terms of impact intensity relative to carbon dioxide, and therefore represented as an aggregated value of kg CO2 equivalent.		Characterisation involves calculating the magnitude of each input and output towards its respective impact category, and then adding up these contributions within each category. This is done by using substance- or resource-specific characterisation factors that quantify the impact intensity of a substance compared to a reference substance, which allows the calculation of the relative impact category indicator(s). By doing this, all the emissions relative to an impact category are aggregated into one unit of measure. For example, all greenhouse gas emissions are multiplied by a characterization factor that represents in terms of impact intensity relative to carbon dioxide, and therefore represented as an aggregated value of kg CO2 equivalent.
	The obtained results are called midpoints, which can be further aggregated into 3 areas of protection, obtaining endpoint results. “Midpoint indicators focus on single environmental problems, for example climate change or acidification. Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on three higher aggregation levels, being the 1) effect on human health, 2) biodiversity ( or ecosystem health) and 3) resource scarcity. Converting midpoints to endpoints simplifies the interpretation of the LCIA results. However, with each aggregation step, uncertainty in the results increases.” <ref name=" Recipe method">''National Institute for Public Health and the Environment		The obtained results are called midpoints, which can be further aggregated into 3 areas of protection, obtaining endpoint results. “Midpoint indicators focus on single environmental problems, for example climate change or acidification. Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on three higher aggregation levels, being the '''1) effect on human health''', '''2) biodiversity''' ( or ecosystem health) and '''3) resource scarcity'''. Converting midpoints to endpoints simplifies the interpretation of the LCIA results. However, with each aggregation step, uncertainty in the results increases.” <ref name=" Recipe method">''National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
	Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport; LCIA: the Recipe model; https://www.rivm.nl/en/life-cycle-assessment-lca/recipe" </ref>		Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport; LCIA: the Recipe model; https://www.rivm.nl/en/life-cycle-assessment-lca/recipe" </ref>

Tommasofatt: /* Impact assessment */

2023-05-05T18:58:41Z

Impact assessment

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 5 May 2023
Line 51:		Line 51:
	==Impact assessment==		==Impact assessment==

	During the ~~Life Cycle Impact Assessment (~~LCIA) phase, the results obtained from the LCI phase are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, such as SimaPRo or GaBi, which also provide the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart. The LCIA phase comprises some steps that are automatically carried out by the LCA softwares, while others are optional and can be applied according to the preferences of the authors of the study.		During the LCIA phase, the results obtained from the LCI phase are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, such as SimaPRo or GaBi, which also provide the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart. The LCIA phase comprises some steps that are automatically carried out by the LCA softwares, while others are optional and can be applied according to the preferences of the authors of the study.

	===Classification===		===Classification===

Tommasofatt: /* Impact assessment */

2023-05-05T18:56:45Z

Impact assessment

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 5 May 2023
Line 51:		Line 51:
	==Impact assessment==		==Impact assessment==

	During the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) phase, the results obtained from the LCI phase are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, which also ~~provides~~ the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart.		During the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) phase, the results obtained from the LCI phase are linked to various environmental impact categories and corresponding indicators. LCIA implies multiple steps and calculations, that are normally carried out by the LCA software, such as SimaPRo or GaBi, which also provide the user with a representation of the results in the form of a process tree, a table or a chart. The LCIA phase comprises some steps that are automatically carried out by the LCA softwares, while others are optional and can be applied according to the preferences of the authors of the study.

	===Classification===		===Classification===